Grasshopper Summer
This blog is a place for us to share our thoughts, ideas, opinions, observations,and feelings about the books that we read. Please use it often, remembering to be open-minded and respectful of others' postings as you do. Please also feel free to expand upon the posts by sharing your own questions.
Sod Houses of the 1800s
Friday, December 9, 2011
Chapter Twenty-five
What are some ways that Sam changed from the beginning of the story to the end? What do you think caused these changes. I am looking for a thorough explanation of these ideas.
Chapter Twenty-five
Why do you think Pa never said another word to Sam about the letter he wrote to Grandpa asking to borrow money?
Chapter Twenty-four
On page 159, in his letter to Sam, Grandpa said, "And much as I want you here, home with Grandma and me, we can't have your new life in a new land blighted because of a plague of locusts."
What do you think "blighted" means? Why do you think that?
What do you think "blighted" means? Why do you think that?
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Chapter Twenty-two
It seems as though Sam learned an important lesson about Harold during this part of the story. What do you think that lesson was, and how might it affect Sam and the way he sees things?
Chapter Twenty-two
Do you agree with Billy that he and Sam should get to help decide whether they stay or go? Be sure to explain why you feel the way you do, using supporting details from the text to back up what you say.
Chapter Twenty-one
What do you think of the boys' idea to write the letters they did? What do you think the results will be?
Chapter Twenty-one
Why is Sam so convinced that Pa would be upset if he knew about the letter he wrote to Grandpa? Be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.
Chapter Twenty-one
On page 138, Sam says, "Ma chided me for fidgeting at the table, but I couldn't sit still and ran outside to stand on top of the dugout."
What do you think it means to "chide" someone?
What do you think it means to "chide" someone?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Chapter Twenty
Sam seems to have done a reversal in terms of his feelings about their new home. Now, instead of bemoaning (click for definition) the way things are, he seems determined to make it a success. How do you account for this change in Sam? What is behind it?
This question adapted from Matt's idea. Thank you, Matt.
This question adapted from Matt's idea. Thank you, Matt.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Grasshoppers Everywhere
Click here to see a news report of a recent grasshopper infestation in Colorado: Grasshopper Infestation Hits Farmers Hard
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Chapter Nineteen
What do you think will be the effects of the grasshopper infestation? What might this mean for the two families? What can they do next? Please share your thoughts in detail.
Chapter Nineteen
Please describe in detail how you felt and what you thought as the clouds of grasshoppers descended from the sky.
Chapter Nineteen
On page, "The baby began to cry, a high, fretful sound." What do you think "fretful" means in this context? What makes you think that?
Chapter Eighteen
At the end of this chapter, Sam said, "I felt at home, for the first time." What factors do you think caused him to feel this way?
Chapter Eighteen
Why do you think Sam did not say anything to Allan (before the hawk came) about his dislike for trying to kill prairie dogs?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Chapter Seventeen
Do you think the events of this chapter will change Sam's outlook about his new life? Please explain how and why .
Chapter Sixteen
In this chapter, Sam and Billy argue about the importance of war. Based on the things they said in their argument, whose side would you take? In responding, be sure to explain yourself clearly, using examples from the text to support your beliefs.
Chapter Fifteen
This question is from Tyler: The word "niche" is used twice in this chapter. Please explain what you think it means and why you think that.
Thanks, Tyler!
Thanks, Tyler!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)